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Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist

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Winter skinwhat the winter cold does to your skin

In winter, heating produces dry air, which draws extra moisture from the skin. Cold can also trigger chilblains on the toes and fingers, and wheals. On this page you can read which complaints are more common in winter, what you can do yourself and when to see a dermatologist.

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What happens to your skin in winter?

The top layer of the skin, the horny layer, prevents moisture from escaping the body. When there are too few skin lipids in this layer, the skin loses more moisture. In a mild form this causes flaking skin, in a more pronounced form the skin becomes eczema-like with sometimes cracks.

Close-up of dry, lightly flaking skin with fine hairs — Dry skin in winter: rough, lightly flaking and often tight.

In winter, heating produces dry air, which draws extra moisture from the skin. Keratosis pilaris is often more prominent in winter, when the skin is drier.

Cold itself also plays a part. In autumn and winter, especially in chilly, damp weather, the blood vessels in the skin react abnormally in some people. This is how chilblains develop. With cold urticaria, wheals appear where the skin cools down.

Complaints that are more common in winter

Dry skin

Skin that holds too little moisture because of a shortage of skin lipids in the top layer.

Hand eczema

An inflammation of the skin on the hands with itch, redness, flaking and sometimes blisters or cracks.

Eczema

An umbrella term for skin conditions in which the skin becomes inflamed, with itching, redness and flaking.

Chilblains

Red to purple, itchy or painful patches on the toes or fingers, caused by an abnormal reaction of the small blood vessels to cold.

Keratosis pilaris

Small, rough bumps, mainly on the upper arms and thighs, that are often more prominent in winter.

Hives from cold

Wheals where the skin cools down, for example when swimming in cold water.

Read more about dry skin, hand eczema, eczema, chilblains, keratosis pilaris and hives.

What you can do yourself

Avoid excessive exposure to soap and water.
Moisturise the skin regularly: as a rule of thumb, shower once and moisturise twice.
Shower briefly and lukewarm, and use little or no soap.
For your hands, use a neutral moisturising cream or ointment at least twice a day, preferably after every wash.
Protect the hands against cold, dry and windy weather.
In the cold, wear a hat, gloves and thick socks.
Do not warm cold hands or feet up quickly under a hot tap, by a heater or with a hot water bottle. Rapid temperature changes make the symptoms worse.
Scratch as little as possible: scratching damages the skin and keeps the itch going.

When should you have it assessed by a dermatologist?

Not sure whether this needs a look? Have a dermatologist assess it: you get an answer within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed. In an emergency, contact your GP straight away or call 112.

A dermatologist is the medical specialist for the skin. Have your skin assessed if:

the patches do not calm down, even when you moisturise your skin well
the symptoms keep coming back or spread
the itching disturbs your sleep or your day
the skin is broken, or there are blisters or sores that do not heal
the symptoms continue into spring or summer
bumps become inflamed, or the areas keep bothering you despite good care

Not sure what it is? A dermatologist at 247dermatologist assesses your photos and tells you what to do. No referral needed.

Urgent care is rarely needed in dermatology: we assess your symptoms and refer you on if needed.

Have a dermatologist look at your skin

Upload photos and answer a few questions. A BIG-registered dermatologist replies within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed, from € 39.

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If more is needed, the dermatologist refers you to a medical specialist.

Want to know what a dermatologist does, when you can see one and how quickly that can happen? Read more about the dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions about winter skin

Why is my skin drier in winter?

Because heating produces dry air, which draws extra moisture from the skin.

What helps against cracks and dryness on the hands?

Regular use of a neutral greasy cream or ointment, especially after every wash, and avoiding irritants. For inflammation the doctor often prescribes a corticosteroid.

What is the difference between chilblains on the hands and on the feet?

It is the same condition. On the feet the patches sit on the toes, on the hands on the fingers. The cause and the approach are the same.

Sources and more information

Source: Dutch Society of Dermatology and Venereology (NVDV), Thuisarts.nl, huidziekten.nl and Drleenarts.com.

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Winter skinwhat the winter cold does to your skin

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